AC and mold in apartment: landlord or tenant responsible?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking water onto the carpet in my master bedroom closet, and now I’ve found a big patch of black mold growing on the wall behind the clothes. It’s been getting worse over the last few weeks since the humidity really kicked in. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cleanup – me as the tenant or my landlord in Jumeirah Lakes Towers?
Posted by Deepa Nair
Asked on March 7, 2026 1:30 pm
Based on the Dubai Landlord and Tenant Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural repairs and maintenance of major building systems, including the central AC unit and its condensate drainage lines, falls squarely on the landlord. The water leakage from your AC is a structural/mechanical failure, and the resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure.

As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to general upkeep and reporting issues in a timely manner. Since you've identified the leak and the subsequent mold, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. This creates a paper trail and starts the clock on their obligation to respond and rectify the issue. Do not attempt to remediate the mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination.

Given the visible growth in JLT, where high humidity drastically accelerates mold proliferation, this is a serious case requiring professional assessment. The hidden mold within the wall cavity is likely far more extensive than the visible patch. We strongly recommend you advise your landlord to engage a certified mold inspection company to conduct air and surface sampling. This determines the spore count and species present, which is crucial for designing an effective remediation protocol.

For immediate professional guidance and to schedule an inspection, you or your landlord can call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com. A certified expert can provide a formal report that definitively outlines the cause and scope, which is often necessary to compel the landlord to act.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 10, 2026 4:56 am